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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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3

Ridge Won't Challenge Specter for Seat

Former Pa. gov was encouraged to run for Senate by GOP brass

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(Newser) – Former Pennsylvania governor and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge will not seek the Republican nomination for senator from that state, the Hill reports. Party leaders had urged him to run against newly minted Democrat Arlen Specter. Ridge was in a good position to run, polling just 3 points behind Specter. “After careful consideration,” he said, “I have decided not to seek the Republican nomination.”

Ridge’s announcement included a philosophical aside. “To those who believe that the Republican Party is facing challenges, they are right,” he said. “To those who believe the Democratic Party is without its own difficulties, they are wrong. No one party has a monopoly on all of the answers.”

Tom Ridge jokes around during the pro-am for the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament.
Tom Ridge jokes around during the pro-am for the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament.   (AP Photo)
Tom Ridge speaks during the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.
Tom Ridge speaks during the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.   (AP Photo)
Tom Ridge, former secretary of Homeland Security and former Pennsylvania governor.
Tom Ridge, former secretary of Homeland Security and former Pennsylvania governor.   (AP Photo)
Arlen Specter.
Arlen Specter.   (AP Photo)
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3 comments
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cornelison
May 7, 09 1:14 PM CDT
Dem nominees for Penn. senate seat are already taking notes on how to defeat Arlen in the primaries. Dems need someone that they can trust & they can win without Arlen. Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 7, 09 2:07 PM CDT
Yup... if anyone had the answers, it was most certainly Dubya... Reply
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nick
May 7, 09 2:47 PM CDT
Tom Ridge is smart enough to realize that he would most likely have identical problems with the current Republican leadership that Arlen Specter suffered. IMO, Ridge would not be a lock-step right-wing vote, or a Limbaugh worshiping bend-over the Republican leadership seems to be seeking. Reply
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